Tottenham Hotspur is expected to continue backing manager Ange Postecoglou, despite the team’s recent setbacks in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, where they were eliminated in quick succession, just four days apart. According to Mick Brown, a former scout for both Spurs and Manchester United, the club’s leadership is likely to give Postecoglou more time to turn things around, especially considering the severe injury crisis the team is currently facing. Brown, who has strong connections within his former clubs, shared his insights with Football Insider, explaining that the mounting injury problems have placed the manager in an extraordinarily difficult situation.
However, Brown also emphasized that Postecoglou’s position will come under significant scrutiny once the injured players return to the team. If the team’s performances do not improve after their recovery, the pressure on the manager will intensify. The team is currently missing several key players due to injury, which has heavily impacted their results. Among those absent for the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup are prominent names like Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, and Timo Werner.
Tottenham’s chairman, Daniel Levy, is reportedly optimistic that once these players return, they will significantly improve the team’s performance. However, if Postecoglou is unable to capitalize on the return of these players and deliver positive results, his position could be in jeopardy. The expectation is that once the injured players are fit again—many of whom are expected to return within the next few weeks—the team’s form will improve, and this will relieve some of the pressure on the manager.
Brown, who has extensive experience working alongside top-tier managers like Sir Alex Ferguson, Ron Atkinson, and David Moyes, explained that the current strategy at Spurs hinges on getting the injured players back into the fold. He remarked, “They’re putting all their hopes on the return of these players to fix their problems,” acknowledging the optimism surrounding their return. However, Brown also pointed out the complexities involved in reintegrating players who have been out for an extended period. Getting back into match fitness while expecting to perform at a high level immediately could be a challenge.
If Tottenham’s form does not improve after the return of these players, Brown believes the club will have no choice but to reconsider Postecoglou’s future. He stressed that the longer the team goes without positive results, the more pressure Postecoglou will face. “The pressure will only increase, and I think that’s when he’ll be sacked,” Brown continued. “They’re betting on the return of these players to turn things around, but if it doesn’t happen, the blame will fall squarely on the manager.”
Tottenham has placed significant emphasis on the return of these injured players, and as Brown points out, this has created a situation where Postecoglou’s future is intricately tied to their recovery and subsequent impact on the team. If the players come back fit and healthy but the team’s form does not improve, it could spell the end of Postecoglou’s tenure. Ultimately, the expectation is clear: results must improve, and quickly, to avoid further pressure and possible dismissal.
